Trafficking charge leads to prison

A 39-year-old Reno man was sentenced to up to six years in Nevada State Prison on Tuesday for felony drug trafficking.

Efren Gonzalez-Santana, 39, was arrested for driving under the influence on June 25 when he was observed driving 50 mph in a 65-mph zone.

The father of three children had 58 grams of cocaine in his car when he was stopped by Douglas County Sheriff's deputies on Highway 395.

Gonzalez-Santana's 14-year-old son was in the car at the time of the arrest. The boy was released to a family member.

Gonzalez-Santana will be eligible for parole in two years.

"He has always maintained the drugs were for personal use. There was no evidence of any sales," said defense attorney Terri Roeser.

District Court Judge David Gamble said trafficking is determined by the amount in possession.

"Possibly he made a bargain purchase, but that's a lot for personal use," Gamble said.

Roeser argued that Gonzalez-Santana's life took a dramatic turn in December 2004 when his wife left him.

In July of the following year, he lost his job and those two events started him down the road to drug use.

"All he has now is his children," Roeser said.

Gamble said it appeared Santana would prefer to sit, use drugs and complain.

"You need to radically change your life," he told Gonzalez-Santana.

Gonzalez-Santana said he feels guilty for what he did and if punishment will help him get better so he can support his children, he is OK with that.

"I was in the wrong place. There was too much pressure," he said. "I need help to get my life back."

Deputy District Attorney Derrick Lopez said the quantity of drugs found requires a much heavier penalty than they are recommending because there was no real evidence of sales.

"The State is asking for 25 to 180 months," he said.

In addition to prison time, Gonzalez-Santana will be required to pay a $2,000 fine and $235 in fees, the money to be paid 60 days after he has completed his prison term.

The 69 days he has already spent in jail will count toward his sentence.

Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.